The 20 Most Expensive Makeup Brands In The World
As someone who loves makeup, I’m always looking for the latest and greatest products.
However, high quality cosmetics often come with a high price tag.
From high-end skincare to glamorous lipsticks, there are a variety of luxury makeup brands that cater to those who are willing to spend top dollar for quality products.
Some of these brands have been around for decades, while others are newer to the scene but have quickly gained a reputation for their luxurious offerings.
In this article, we’ll explore the most expensive makeup brands and what sets them apart from competitors.
The Most Expensive Makeup Brands
While there are quite a few high-end makeup brands, here are several of the most expensive brands that are worth splurging on:
Hermes
Hermes is the creator of some of the most expensive and sought-after bags of all time.
Just ask any high-end fashionista what bag she covets the most and chances are, she’ll see Hermes!
But, did you know that Herme also offers exceptional cosmetics?
Well, they do!
The Rouge Hermes matte lipstick for example, is one of the of their most popular sellers.
You can check out their massive range of high-end creations HERE.
Elizabeth Arden
Elizabeth Arden is a renowned beauty brand with a rich history in the cosmetics industry.
Founded by Florence Nightingale Graham (who later adopted the business name Elizabeth Arden) in 1910, the brand has played a significant role in shaping the beauty and skincare landscape.
Elizabeth Arden is known for introducing innovative products, pioneering beauty treatments, and promoting a holistic approach to skincare and cosmetics.
Cosmetic products by Elizabeth Arden can vary greatly in price.
For example, this best-selling foundation is $43 while the high drama eyeliner is $22.
Cle De Peau
Clé de Peau Beauté is a luxury skincare and cosmetics brand that originated in Japan.
The name “Clé de Peau” translates to “key to skin” in French, reflecting the brand’s focus on creating products that enhance and care for the skin’s natural beauty.
Although Clé de Peau is most well-known for its skincare offerings, they also offer a long list of incredible cosmetic products.
For example, their Radiant Foundation is known for its smooth application, buildable coverage, and ability to create a luminous complexion, while their concealer products have gained a loyal following due to their effectiveness in providing coverage for imperfections while maintaining a natural appearance.
La Prairie
Talk about dipping into your pockets!
La Prairie products are no doubt some of the most expensive beauty products around.
Founded in Switzerland but now available in the United States and Beyond, La Prairie uses some of the best and most unique ingredients in its creations.
While the brand has a large inventory of luxe skincare products, the cosmetics are just as swoon-worthy, and are made of the same incredible elements – like caviar!
Estée Lauder
Estee Lauder is a well-known brand that offers a wide range of luxury makeup products.
It was founded by Estée Lauder and her husband Joseph Lauder in 1946.
The company has its headquarters in New York City and is one of the world’s leading and most recognizable beauty brands.
Their makeup line includes a diverse array of products, including foundations, concealers, lipsticks, eyeshadows, mascaras, and more.
Some of their most popular products include their Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation, Sumptuous Extreme Lash Multiplying Volume Mascara, Pure Color Envy Sculpting Lipstick, Bronze Goddess Powder Bronzer, and Double Wear Stay-in-Place Matte Powder Foundation.
La Mer
As we all know, cosmetics and care go hand in hand.
La Mer blends the two beautifully and is well-known for the addition of its signature ingredient, Miracle Broth™.
Miracle Broth™ is a blend of nutrient-rich sea kelp and other natural ingredients that undergo a biofermentation process.
It’s believed to provide hydration, soothe the skin, and promote skin regeneration.
Ad as we know, having great skin is the base for a flawless makeup application.
This secret ingredient is what makes their most iconic product, the Crème de la Mer moisturizer, so incredible.
However, La Mer offers much more than just amazing skincare.
For example, the “lip plumper” helps to volumize and hydrate the lips, which helps to create a smoother and fuller finish, and the Soft Fluid Long Wear Foundation SPF 20 is designed to provide a natural and radiant finish while offering sun protection with SPF 20.
It’s often praised for its lightweight texture and long-wearing formula.
Additionally, it incorporates the brand’s signature Miracle Broth™ we discussed above.
Sisley Paris
Sisley Paris is a luxury skincare, makeup, and fragrance brand known for its high-quality products that combine botanical extracts, scientific innovation, and a commitment to luxury and efficacy.
Founded in 1976 by Hubert d’Ornano, Sisley has gained a reputation for its premium formulations and emphasis on using natural plant-based ingredients to create skincare and luxury cosmetics that address various skin concerns.
While Sisley is primarily known for its skincare, their cosmetics line includes a selection of makeup products designed to enhance natural beauty while promoting healthy skin.
Similar to their skincare products, Sisley’s cosmetics also incorporate high-quality ingredients, including botanical extracts and plant-based compounds.
The brand focuses on creating makeup that not only looks beautiful but also contributes to the overall well-being of the skin.
Sisley’s makeup products often aim for a natural and radiant finish.
Their formulations enhance the skin’s texture and luminosity, rather than masking it.
In addition, many of Sisley’s cosmetics contain skincare benefits.
These products are designed to not only provide color but also nourish and protect the skin, aligning with the brand’s commitment to overall skin health.
Some of Sisley’s iconic makeup products include the Phyto-Lip Twist, Phyto-Eye Twist, and Phyto-Blush Twist.
These twist-up pencils offer convenience and versatility in makeup application.
Sisley’s makeup range offers a variety of shades to suit different preferences and occasions.
From bold and vibrant colors to subtle and natural tones, their collection caters to a wide range of makeup looks.
Valentino Beauty
Valentino’s move into the beauty sector marked a significant expansion of the brand’s offerings beyond fashion.
They managed to bring the same signature elegance, luxury, and craftsmanship to the beauty realm.
However, if you’re expecting ultra high prices that match the rest of the brands items, you might be pleasantly surprised.
Although excellent quality, the cosmetics are a bit more affordable than many of their other products.
For example, their best-selling lipstick, Rossi Valentino Refillable Lipstick, is only $45.
Yves Saint Laurent
YSL’s fashion background lends the brand a sense of high-fashion luxury and style.
The makeup products often reflect the brand’s fashion-forward approach, incorporating trends and classic elements.
YSL has introduced innovative makeup formulas that cater to a modern, trend-savvy audience.
From high-pigment lip products to innovative foundation formulas, the brand focuses on quality and performance.
The Rouge Volupte Shine Lipstick Balm is a perfect example.
Not only is it richly pigmented, but it also works to condition the lips, so you can nourish your lips while wearing the look you love.
Other products like the Touche Éclat Radiant Touch highlighter and the Rouge Pur Couture lipstick line have achieved iconic status as well.
YSL is known for staying up-to-date with beauty trends and incorporating them into their product offerings.
This allows the brand to appeal to both classic beauty enthusiasts and those seeking the latest trends.
Something unique about YSL products is that they often combine skincare benefits with makeup products.
This integration of skincare elements into makeup can provide both aesthetic and skincare benefits.
Chanel
While you may be familiar with Coco Chanel handbags, the brand also offers a line of incredible beauty products.
The Chanel No. 5 perfume has been a best seller for years and the Rouge Coco lipstick is a more recent fan favorite as well.
The cosmetics line carries forward the legacy of elegance, sophistication, and innovation associated with the Chanel brand.
One of the brand’s most successful products, Chanel lipstick no 5., has stood the test of time and is still one of the best-selling lipsticks on the market today.
Here are a few more of the brands best products:
Joues Contraste Blush in Limited Edition Packaging
Chanel releases limited edition versions of their classic Joues Contraste Blush, often featuring unique packaging designs. These special editions can be more expensive due to their collectible nature.
Ombres Lamées de Chanel Eyeshadow Palette
Chanel occasionally releases limited edition eyeshadow palettes that include a selection of unique and luxurious shades. These palettes can be more expensive compared to their regular line.
This is a serum from the Sublimage line that is known for its illuminating and anti-aging effects. It’s often considered a high-end skincare investment.
Le Lion de Chanel Highlighting Powder
Part of a limited edition collection, this highlighting powder features intricate design and packaging, making it a collector’s item and a luxurious addition to any makeup collection.
Chanel’s Rouge Allure Laque is a luxurious and long-wearing lip product that combines the intensity of a lipstick with the shine of a gloss. Limited edition shades or packaging can be more expensive.
Christian Dior
Christian Dior is another French brand that’s been around for ages.
As a luxury fashion brand, they have made a name for themselves in many areas, especially handbags.
However, the brand has many more offerings outside of handbags, including cosmetic products.
The Diorshow Mascara and the Diorskin Forever Foundation are the most popular items among its customers and they can be purchased at several department stores as well as on their website.
Tom Ford
If you like bold colors, Tom Ford should be at the top of your list.
One of the brand’s most popular products is the richly pigmented “Lip Color Lipstick“.
It comes in over 10 colors and provides full coverage for up to 8 hours.
Additionally, this lipstick is made with no mineral oil or parabens.
However, it clocks in at a whopping $59.
Another one of their hottest sellers is the “Eye Color Quad” which comes in several color options and limited editions.
Giorgio Armani
While you may be familiar with Armani due to the brand’s perfume and cologne options, they also offer cosmetics and skincare products.
Giorgio Armani’s makeup collection includes products for the face, eyes, lips, and nails.
Their makeup is often characterized by sophisticated colors, lightweight textures, and a “no-makeup makeup” approach.
Their foundations, in particular, are well-regarded for providing a smooth canvas and natural look.
One of the brand’s standout products, the Luminous Silk Foundation, is celebrated for its radiant and buildable coverage.
It’s known for its ability to create a luminous and natural-looking complexion.
Their “Eyes to Kill Mascara“ is praised for its volumizing and lengthening effects.
It’s designed to give lashes a bold and defined look without clumping.
Additionally, the Lip Maestro line offers a range of highly pigmented liquid lipsticks with a velvety texture.
They provide intense color payoff and comfortable, long-lasting wear.
However, these prices do come with a hefty pricetag, as one might expect from the luxury brand.
Westman Atelier
Westman Atelier is a luxury makeup brand founded by celebrity makeup artist Gucci Westman.
The high-end cosmetics brand is known for its emphasis on clean, natural ingredients and its commitment to creating high-quality makeup products that enhance the skin’s natural beauty.
Westman Atelier’s products are designed to provide a healthy, radiant complexion while using ingredients that are both effective and safe for the skin.
WA products are formulated without potentially harmful ingredients such as parabens, sulfates, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, and more.
Their products often contain skin-loving ingredients like botanical extracts, plant oils, and antioxidants that provide both makeup coverage and skincare benefits.
Additionally, their products are formulated to provide a fresh, dewy finish that mimics healthy skin, rather than heavy or cakey coverage.
The Vital Skin Foundation Stick is one of the brand’s most popular products.
It’s designed to provide buildable coverage while nourishing the skin with ingredients like camellia seed oil, coconut oil, and berry flux vita.
It’s known for its ability to create a luminous complexion.
The Baby Cheeks Blush Stick is a creamy blush stick that adds a natural flush of color to the cheeks.
The formula includes ingredients like sunflower seed oil and beeswax to provide a blendable and hydrating texture.
Lastly, the Eye Pods Eyeshadow palettes contain richly pigmented shades with a mix of matte and shimmer finishes.
The formula includes ingredients like coconut oil and organic jojoba oil to ensure smooth application and lasting color.
MAC Cosmetics
MAC Cosmetics is a well-known brand name that was co-founded by makeup artist Frank Toskan and his partner Frank Angelo.
It is no doubt one of my absolute favorite cosmetic companies.
Mac offers a wide range of products that are high-end and high-quality including eye products, lipsticks, primers, powders, and so much more.
My absolute favorite product from the brand is the Matte lipstick.
It’s a great pick if you need lipstick that lasts all day and won’t dry out your lips.
There are a ton of colors to choose from and they even come in mini sizes as well!
Another Mac product I love is Studio Fix Fluid Foundation.
Not only does it have SPF 15 included, but it never settles into fine lines or creases, something I’ve found happens often foundations from other brands.
No matter what your skin tone is, MAC has a product to match.
Urban Decay
All makeup lovers are familiar with the Urban Decay Naked Makeup Palette.
The colors are absolutely gorgeous and they have a velvety smooth finish, which makes them easy to blend.
Not to mention they last a ridiculously long time – like… all day.
Although the price point is on the higher end for this palette, you get a lot for your money since each palette has 12 colors included.
These are my absolute favorite eye shadows and honestly, the only ones I use.
Another bestseller by the brand is its All-Nighter Setting Spray.
It comes in several different finishes (matte, extra glow dewy, waterproof, etc.) and goes on ultra-light for a lightweight feel.
Hourglass Cosmetics
Hourglass Cosmetics is another one of the most expensive cosmetic brands.
They recently went under intense scrutiny both on and off social media for creating a product that was solely geared toward those with lighter skin tones.
Some of their best sellers include their airbrush concealer, ambient lighting eyeshadow palette, and soft glow foundation.
Charlotte Tilbury
Charlotte Tilbury was founded by, you guessed it, Charlotte Tilbury!
She is/was a makeup artist for celebrities and decided to create her own line that has become a hit with beauty lovers around the world.
I was intrigued by all the hype surrounding the ever-so-popular “pillow talk lipstick“, so I ordered it along with a ton of other products.
There are a lot of differing opinions on Charlotte Tilbury products.
I’ve seen some pretty bad reviews however, I can say that everything was pretty amazing – with the exception of the mascara.
You can read my full review here.
I ordered a ton of products including several of their best sellers, so if you’ve been considering purchasing any of their items, I highly recommend giving my review a read!
Pat McGrath Labs
Pat McGrath Labs is a popular brand founded by the renowned makeup artist Pat McGrath, often referred to as the “Mother of Makeup.”
Pat McGrath herself is known for her extraordinary creativity and ability to push the boundaries of makeup artistry and she is a highly respected figure in the fashion and beauty industry.
Her work on runways and the red carpet has influenced makeup trends, and her brand allows consumers to achieve the same level of artistry at home.
The brand, however, has gained significant attention and acclaim in the beauty industry for several compelling reasons.
The brand reflects Pat’s innovative makeup approach, with products catering to everyday wear and more avant-garde, artistic looks.
PML products are celebrated for their high-quality formulations and the brand is known for introducing innovative and cutting-edge makeup products.
From highly pigmented eyeshadows to long-lasting lipsticks, the brand focuses on creating products that perform exceptionally well.
Pat McGrath Labs cosmetics encourages artistic expression.
For example, the brand’s eyeshadow palettes often feature multi-dimensional and multi-textured shades that create unique eye effects.
Additionally, their frequent releases of limited edition collections generate excitement among beauty enthusiasts.
These collections often feature intricate packaging, special formulations, and collaborations with artists, designers, and celebrities.
And lastly, the brand emphasizes inclusivity by offering products suitable for a diverse range of skin tones and types.
Guerlain
Guerlain is a French company with a rich heritage dating back to 1828.
This leading brand offers high-quality products with a price tag to match including perfume, cosmetics, skin care products, and even haircare items.
Check out this brush they currently have for sale that costs a whopping $169 – and that’s not even one of their most expensive products!
However, Guerlain has a track record of innovation in product formulations.
The brand has introduced groundbreaking products, such as the iconic Meteorites pearls and the innovative Radiance Primer with pure gold flakes.
Guerlain is known for its expertise in color cosmetics, creating products that offer rich pigmentation and an exceptional color range.
In recent years, Guerlain has expanded its shade ranges to be more inclusive and cater to a diverse range of skin tones.
Outside of cosmetics, Guerlain is renowned for its exceptional fragrances that often become classics in the perfume world.
Fragrance creations like Shalimar and La Petite Robe Noire have left a lasting impact on the industry.
Conclusion
There are many luxury brands in the makeup industry that offer expensive makeup products.
However, the price range between each brand (and product) can vary greatly.
No matter which leading cosmetic brand you choose to try from our list, we’re confident you’ll love all the different lavish products they have to offer.
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